Identifying the Thesis and Main Idea of a Speech

WHAT IS A THESIS? A thesis statement is a sentence that identifies the main idea and/or central purpose of a text. Serves as the organizing principle of the text and usually appears in the introductory paragraph, often at the end

Purpose of a thesis statement To give order both to the reader and to the writer It does this by clearly stating the central claim that a piece of writing will try to prove. Thesis statements state the writer/speaker’s argument as clearly as possible. Is not a statement of fact

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? Statement of fact: Many students receive school lunches for free or at a reduced rate. Thesis: Free school lunch programs for economically disadvantaged students are an important factor contributing to student scholastic success.

WHAT SHOULD A THESIS LOOK OR SOUND LIKE? Should be a general statement that does not include hard facts. Should suggest that you are about to hear claims or arguments that make the thesis true.

IS THE THESIS THE SAME AS THE MAIN IDEA? The thesis is the writer’s central argument, or claim. The entire speech will usually serve to support the thesis with supporting claims. Each part of the speech will have a different main idea or supporting claim. Free school lunch programs contribute to student success in the classroom. ↘ ↙ Schools that implemented school lunch programs show improved student test scores. Schools that implemented school lunch programs show a decrease in student behavioral problems.

FIND THE THESIS IN THIS SPEECH. “The Beatles were an influential rock band because of their creativity, their politically charged lyrics, and their wide range of appeal. These important qualities allowed the Beatles to change the face of rock and roll forever.” These important qualities allowed the Beatles to change the face of rock and roll forever.

THESIS AND MAIN IDEAS The speaker’s thesis, or the main reason for giving this speech, is to explain how the Beatles changed the face of rock and roll. The speaker will convey this idea by giving information in three main points: creativity, politically charged lyrics, and wide appeal of the band.

A THESIS SHOULD NOT BE TOO GENERAL While a thesis must be a generalization, be careful that it is not too general. It should be something that can be explained or proven through the main points of a speech. Example: “The Beatles were an awesome group,” could mean many things and does not suggest that supporting main points will follow.

THESIS, MAIN IDEA OR STATEMENT OF FACT? ◦ Smoking has been shown to cause cancer. Statement of fact ◦ Smoking should be banned on campus because of the health repercussions. Main idea ◦ Smoking is linked to heart disease. Statement of fact ◦ Smoking should be banned on campus because of the environmental repercussions. Main idea ◦ Smoking is a bad idea for college campuses. Thesis statement

Let’s look at some speech openings. Can you find the thesis? Ladies and Gentlemen, I'd planned to speak to you tonight to report on the state of the Union, but the events of earlier today have led me to change those plans. Today is a day for mourning and remembering. Nancy and I are pained to the core by the tragedy of the shuttle Challenger. We know we share this pain with all of the people of our country. This is truly a national loss.

Good evening, my fellow citizens: This Government, as promised, has maintained the closest surveillance of the Soviet military buildup on the island of Cuba. Within the past week, unmistakable evidence has established the fact that a series of offensive missile sites is now in preparation on that imprisoned island. The purpose of these bases can be none other than to provide a nuclear strike capability against the Western Hemisphere.

Good evening: This is the 37th time I have spoken to you from this office, where so many decisions have been made that shape the history of this nation. Each time I have done so to discuss with you some matter that I believe affected the national interest. In all the decisions I have made in my public life I have always tried to do what was best for the nation. onresignationspeech.html

…Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting-place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. htm